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Friday, October 06, 2006

Bartlett v Schwarten

Andrew Bartlett (Australian Democrat senator for those who don’t know) is engaged in a bit of political biffo with a Queensland government minister at the moment. Rob Schwarten (pictured trying to avoid eye-contact with "Bulldog" Bartlett), the Minister of Public Works and Housing, is threatening to cut funding to mistreated public housing.

“Senator Bartlett is good at whingeing but when it comes to offering up solutions to rampant violence, vandalism, overcrowding and destruction of public facilities, he has no answers,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Simply bobbing up for a whinge and nothing else every now and again might make the Democrats feel all warm and fuzzy but it doesn’t stop crime, it doesn’t put a roof over people’s heads and it doesn’t help stop unchecked vandalism.”

“That housing Minister Robert Schwarten is meeting with the council today is a step in the right direction, but open communication and consultation with the community to address problems should have been happening long before now.”

...Senator Bartlett visited Woorabinda on Monday and met with the council and community members.

“There has been some progress in aspects of housing management in the community in recent times and this action risks reversing that progress,” Senator Bartlett concluded.

Not much of a solution admittedly, but it's a very complicated problem.

The "feel all warm and fuzzy…" remark made by Schwarten refers to the partner of the Burden of Solution - Sanctimony. I wouldn't accuse Bartlett of Sanctimony, but it is a label that is often deserved of those with left-wing leanings (look at our examples). (Right-wingers are too busy having money fights and shooting their guns at stuff to have time to feel all warm and fuzzy.)__________